A seldom seen Civil War rifled musket, this short arm is a percussion, two-band, large caliber (.60) muzzleloader. Manufactured in Liege, Belgium for the Brazilian government early in the Civil War, some 6,000 rifles of this type were purchased by U.S. agents in 1861 to accommodate the U.S. Ordnance Department’s need for longarms. Known as the ‘Minie rifle of Leige pattern’, most of these type muskets were issued to the State of Ohio in late 1861 and saw service with its soldiers during the war.

Rifle exhibits hand-carved initials on the triggerguard tang “A R B.” This short arm features a black walnut full-stock fitted with a round barrel which has an overall length of 48”. Barrel bears an Enfield-type, case hardened lockplate and hammer with a long range rear sight. Retains both sling swivels, one at the stock toe and the other at the upper barrel band. Also features a brass butt plate and triggerguard stamped with Leige proof marks. The two barrel bands are iron. Barrel, which exhibits a pleasing dark plum coloring and a smooth surface of rust overall, us fitted with a lug and slide rail to accept a Schnitzler & Kirshbaum sword bayonet.

Serial number “3904” clearly stamped on the lug head. Other stampings on the weapon included the ‘anchor’ flanked with letters “D” and “G” which are worn down. In addition to the ‘anchor stampings, the walnut stock exhibits various markings that appear as a series of stamped circular tooling marks on both sides of the stock. Barrel secured to the stock with two iron shouldered barrel bands and barrel springs. All gunmetal exhibits a smooth hard brown patina. Mechanics strong and crisp. Three-groove bore is very good with scattered light surface grime and pitting. Would clean up to bright. Bayonet lug on the right side of muzzle. Original, straight-shank iron ramrod is in place and exhibits a smooth shank head that is pierced.

These Brazilian ‘Short Minie Rifles” constitute a seldom seen imported rifle musket used by some Ohio troops.

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